William Bayliss and the enduring fascination of myogenic tone

Given the pace of scientific progress over the seven decades since this much-quoted observation, it is clear that scientific progress does not require scientists with opposing views to die. But a literal interpretation masks the underlying suggestion that scientists are, at times, an impediment to progress and new ideas. This cautionary tale is exemplified by our current understanding of blood vessel autoregulation – the idea that organs can maintain constant blood flow over a range of physiological pressures. Although a core principle of vascular physiology, the prevailing theory of autoregulation is based on a seemingly simple observation, first published in this journal over 120 years ago. Now, as we celebrate the 600th volume of The Journal of Physiology, it is apt to reflect on the impact of this theory which has endured to fascinate, challenge, and even infuriate today's vascular physiologists.